The Substitute Countess

by Lyn Stone

  She wanted to kiss him awake, but decided not. He was likely exhausted by last night, not to mention all the cares he had borne since inheriting. Carefully, she slipped out of bed and snatched up his discarded banyan, an older one that had seen much wear. She wrapped it around her and returned to her room.

  Betty was there now, laying out morning clothes. Laurel laid a finger to her lips and whispered, “His lordship’s still asleep.”

  “Did you ask him?” Betty asked. “You know, about me and George?”

  “Not yet. As you know, we had that visitor last evening at supper and later we...were busy. I’ll ask him today.”

  The morning progressed beautifully. Laurel began to truly believe that life in the convent had been a boon, preparing her rather well to deal with her present circumstance. She continued to use her Mother Superior voice, which was kind, yet firm, when dealing with servants and staff.

  She had always been one for making quick decisions, sometimes to her detriment, but usually working better for her than dithering about undecided. Her decision to come to England with Jack had been the best she had ever made.

  She realized that her pretended self-confidence was becoming quite real.

  Jack met her in the breakfast room for their midday meal. It was a well-lit, airy place, a third the size and much more intimate than the formal dining room.

  “You are a veritable ray of sunshine,” he said by way of greeting as he joined her at table. “Yellow becomes you.”

  Laurel preened, something she could not ever remember doing. “Flattery welcome, sir. You look well rested.”

  “For a slug-a-bed,” he replied with a grin. “Never in memory have I slept so long. If I don’t rush, I’ll be late for my first local court session and I’m to preside. I also hope to meet with the vicar later to discuss the school.”

  “May I teach there?” she asked, gesturing for Thad, the footman, to begin serving them.

  “The position is taken, and you, my girl, will be too busy with dancing lessons!” He winked. “I told Hobson to hire us a dancing master. I could use a few lessons myself. We can’t risk any missteps when we return to Town next Season.”

  Laurel could hardly contain her happiness. Jack looked so content. And so completely at ease. She thought of her maid and how eager she was to wed Jack’s valet. It would feel good to spread a bit of happiness around. “Is there any rule against servants marrying within the household?”

  He looked up from his eggs. “I suppose not. Why do you ask?”

  She sighed and smiled. “Betty and George are in love. She says they were not allowed any sort of attachment at the London house. I thought if we agreed, perhaps such a marriage would be of convenience to us as well as them. They could coordinate our plans...”

  “Quarters for the men and women are separate. That could pose a problem,” he reminded her.

  “Surely we could work out something suitable. There are so many unused rooms in this old place.”

  “That is your bailiwick. I have no real objection.” He began buttering a toast point. “Maybe they would hover around each other and leave us more time alone.”

  “May I tell her we approve then?”

  He thought for a minute. “No. In the event this is your Betty attempting to push George to the altar with our help, I’d best find out whether he’s willing. He should be the one doing the asking, after all.”

  “Oh. Well, that never occurred to me,” she admitted.

  He inclined his head and looked at her for a minute without speaking. Then he said, “You’re still so innocent, giving everyone the benefit of your trust without a question of whether they deserve it.”

  She bit her lip to hold back a sharp retort.

  “I don’t mean it as a reproof, Laurel, only a reminder to question first.”

  “Thank you,” she said, her temper tightly reined. “You’re right, of course. George might not be of the same mind but would feel compelled if she told him we wished them to marry. We couldn’t have that.”

  Jack stirred his coffee. “No, we shouldn’t take on the business of arranging marriages.”

  She studied Jack for a moment. “I know you weren’t exactly eager to marry me when circumstances practically forced it on us. Were you so disappointed to relinquish your bachelor status?”

  He set down his cup. “Not in the least. It was probably the best move I’ve ever made. Do I look unhappy?”

  She shook her head. No, he did not, but if she could pretend confidence in herself so convincingly, he could just as well pretend to like being married. He had certainly empathized with George’s possible evasion of that state quickly enough.

  He looked at his watch. “I really must go. Have a good morning!” She watched him rise and accepted his perfunctory kiss as he excused himself to go down to the village.

  * * *

  Jack had endured a thoroughly exhausting morning. He dismounted and walked halfway home from the village, hoping he could recover some sense of well-being before reaching the manor. He hated to trouble Laurel with the problem of Rob Huntland, the farmer who had stolen one of their sheep, but she probably would guess something was wrong. Damn the man. Why hadn’t he asked for the sheep instead of stealing the damned thing?

  Dispensing justice had never been a thing Jack enjoyed, though he’d had to do it a few times aboard ship. At least then, it had been deserved. Perhaps it was warranted this time, as well, but the usual punishment did not seem to fit the crime. He knew he must set an example with Huntland or others would mark the light consequence and the flocks would soon disappear one by one.

  He led his horse to the stables and left him with a groom. When he entered the house at the back, Betty was waiting. “Ma’am said watch for you and tell you there’s a gentleman guest in the front parlor.”

  Jack handed her his hat. “Someone we know?”

  “No, sir. A Captain Morleigh, I think he said.”

  A relation of Neville’s then. Jack hurried in the event Laurel was entertaining the man alone. She would think nothing of doing that in her own home. However, it was a little-used area of the house and a complete stranger might get the wrong idea.

  The minute he entered the parlor Laurel stood, greeting him with a happy smile. “You’re here at last!” She held out her hand. “We have a guest! Neville’s cousin, Captain Caine Morleigh.”

  “Captain,” Jack said, nodding to the stalwart fellow. He was a large man with a definite military bearing. His scarred visage lent him a rather dangerous air.

  However his ready smile reminded one of Neville’s. “Lord Elderidge,” Morleigh said as he sketched a quick bow.

  “Good of you to visit.” Jack was not entirely sure why he had come. “How are Neville and Miranda? In good health I trust?”

  “The best. I’ve been to London and am headed home. You weren’t far off my path, so Neville suggested I stop by and see if I could be of any help to you.”

  “Yes, he mentioned that you might,” Jack said as they took their seats.

  The captain smiled and inclined his head. “I understand you were thrust into your position without any preparation, much as I was a while ago. He knows what I’ve been through due to that.”

  “You’re heir to Hadley,” Jack said.

  Morleigh nodded. “No title as yet, but all of the duties, save sitting in the Lords.” He wrinkled his nose. “Worst of the lot, I imagine.”

  Jack agreed. “I’ve just had a taste of enforcing laws this afternoon. If I serve in the House, I hope concocting them provides better flavor.” He released a heavy sigh and shook his head.

  “Who transgressed?” Laurel asked, sitting forward in her chair. “And what did you do?”

  Jack pressed his lips together for a moment before replying, “Rob Huntland stole a ewe and slaughtered it. He was seen doing the deed. Caught red-handed, so there was no question of his guilt.”

  “So you’ll have him hanged,” Morleigh guessed.

  “You woul
d hang one of our people?” Laurel asked in a horrified whisper.

  “It is a hanging offense, that’s true, but I commuted it to transportation. There were circumstances and I chose to consider them.”

  “That’s quite lenient,” Morleigh declared. “The others might consider you soft and take advantage. Some would say you might let him stay and only take off a hand. You know, as a deterrent.”

  “No!” Laurel objected. “Not for a sheep!”

  “He’s probably right,” Jack told her. “But I couldn’t take the man’s life, or even his hand, for attempting to save his wife’s family from starvation. They’re yeomen farmers who live adjacent to our lands. They were in a bad way.”

  “You let them have the carcass?” Laurel asked hopefully.

  “Not directly,” Jack admitted. “I ordered the sheriff to dispose of it as he saw fit.”

  Morleigh smiled and nodded. “And I suppose the sheriff is sympathetic to the offender’s motive?”

  “And to my conundrum. Do you suffer these problems, Captain?”

  “On occasion, but I see you have little need of advice from me, not on governing in any event. However, if you have any questions on other topics, I’ll be happy to answer if I’m able.” He reached into his pocket and handed Jack a folded paper. “Here is my direction. Feel free to write to me if you like. We’ll also see one another in London during the Season, I expect.”

  “Thank you. Things seem to be well in hand for the moment, but if need arises, I will gladly make use of your knowledge. For now, however, please stay and dine with us this evening and spend the night, if you’ve far to go.”

  “You’re kind to offer, but I’ve already lingered awhile and should ride on. I confess an eagerness to be home after a week in the city. I miss my wife,” he said with a self-conscious laugh. “Grace will be sorry she’s missed meeting you both. Her condition prevented her traveling. I was forced to leave her home this trip.”

  “I hope it’s not serious!” Laurel exclaimed.

  He grinned. “Serious, but happily so. She’s increasing.”

  “Oh, that’s wonderful!” Laurel said with enthusiasm. “Please tell her we should love to meet her whenever it’s convenient. And please wish her good health on our behalf.”

  “You’re very kind and I will tell her,” Morleigh said. “But for now, I must claim my horse from your comfortable stables and be on my way.”

  “I’ll ring and have your mount brought round.”

  After Morleigh had taken his leave, Laurel turned to Jack. “He was good to come, wasn’t he? A very likable sort.” She took Jack’s hand in hers. “Are you still troubled about the Huntland matter?”

  Jack nodded. “Yes, though not so much as I was on the way home. Captain Morleigh seemed to think I handled things well enough.”

  “I wish you could have forgiven it and let him go. You couldn’t do that, of course, and I understand why. It’s only that I’m sure this Rob Huntland must be a good man at heart.”

  Jack shrugged. “People are seldom entirely good or bad, merely more one way than the other. There are those who are evil clear through, but I don’t believe Huntland is one.”

  “I choose to see only the good in people for as long as they allow it,” she replied.

  “I know you do, my sweet. That particular attitude has been ingrained in you from infancy, so no one could ever fault you for it. But it can be a great disadvantage when it comes to judging people.” He reached to trace her chin with one finger, marveling at the softness of her skin.

  She clasped his hand to her chest and smiled. “Fortunately, I needn’t be the one to judge people, and I certainly don’t envy you the task.”

  He studied her clear brown eyes for a moment. “But you must learn to judge, Laurel. Everyone you meet, you should be aware of clues to their true character and act according to what you find.” Jack glanced at the door. “That includes visitors. Have Echols direct them to a less-isolated part of the house in the future if I’m away.”

  “Does this have to do with Captain Morleigh?” she asked with a laugh of disbelief. “He’s Neville’s cousin, Jack! I had no cause to mistrust him.”

  “Nor to trust him, either,” Jack argued. “Fortunately, he was as gentlemanly as you thought. I hope your luck always runs that true, but you mustn’t count on it.” He hated to impinge on her view of mankind, but he would hate it much worse if anyone ever tested it. “Evil is attracted by innocence such as yours. I only ask that you have a care.”

  “That’s why you’re so protective?” she asked, brushing closer, swaying her body against his. “I’m not all that innocent now.”

  Jack slid his arms around her and lifted her up for a kiss. “I see I must save you from yourself if you believe that. Maybe I’ll debauch you further until you’re as worldly-wise as I am.” He wriggled his eyebrows and grinned as he smoothed his palms up and down her rib cage.

  She gave him a playful shove. “I won’t mind that, but you can’t do that here in the parlor!”

  “We could go upstairs,” he suggested in his most conspiratorial tone, increasing his attentions and cupping her breasts.

  “Jack! It’s midafternoon!” But her admonishment lacked any sincerity and she offered no resistance at all.

  “So that is a yes?” he said, laughing softly in her ear.

  Supper was served late.

  Chapter Thirteen

  The next week established a pattern for them. The nights were heaven, dismissing all doubt concerning his preference for bachelorhood. Their daytime activities usually were separate and fraught with the adjustments of running the house and estate. Suppers were no longer stilted affairs, but congenial with conversations about their daily doings.

  On that seventh night, Laurel broached the topic of their finances, a thing she had not dared to do since Jack found her examining the estate records. “Have you given any thought to investing more of the ready funds not needed for running the estate?” she asked. “I’ve been reading with interest of the progress in steam travel. We might profit quite well if it flourishes.”

  He looked up from his plate as if she had suggested a flight to the moon on a kite. “What do you know of the investments?”

  She shrugged as she buttered a section of bread. “The Church invests. Sister Josephina was quite the businesswoman. Her father was a banker and she did work for him at home for several years before she was called to the Church. Since I had such an interest in the maths she taught, she told me all about the markets and how they work.”

  “Why?” He seemed nonplussed by the very idea. “It’s not a suitable subject for women, who obviously have no control over money.”

  She laughed. “Don’t be absurd! Some do, Jack. Well-informed widows, women who operate businesses. Your mother had charge of her funds after your father died, didn’t she? Or did you handle her finances?”

  “No, she never asked me to. Have you been delving into the estate’s books again?” He looked upset to think that she had.

  “Of course not. You asked me to leave that to you, so I have. I merely thought to suggest—”

  “I’ll have Hobson look into it.” He shook a finger in her direction. “But you are to leave it alone. Manage the household accounts only.”

  “Yes, sir! As you wish, sir! I’ll not strain my little brain any further!” She tossed down her serviette.

  He had the grace to look sheepish. “You needn’t remind me how intelligent you are, Laurel, or take me to task for lording it over you. It’s only that I would keep some duties for myself and our man of business if you don’t mind.”

  “Or if I do mind! Well, as it happens, I don’t mind at all. It’s only that you think a woman too stupid to understand it!”

  He was instantly contrite. “I do not think that, Laurel. Believe me, I never meant it to sound that way. But you have to admit, it’s the way of the world and not likely to change.”

  “It should be changed! You know it should!” She cro
ssed her arms over her chest and glared at him.

  Jack nodded. “I expect you’re right. Women should not be so...confined. Life’s not fair and probably never will be, but society’s ills are not all my doing. We go on as we are taught to go on and resist what is new. The nature of man, I suppose.”

  “The nature of man. I know.” She swallowed her anger since it served no purpose and would only ruin the rest of her meal. It wasn’t as if her dissatisfaction could alter the way things were, even in her own home. “I was simply looking for something else to do, that’s all.”

  He brightened at that. “All right then. If you’re bored, why not learn to ride? It’s great exercise and fun, as well. I’ll teach you myself if you like.”

  Laurel agreed, seeing that he needed to show her his expertise at something, since he was probably somewhat lacking in the knowledge of investments. Sometimes she forgot that her education surpassed his and he might feel the pinch of that.

  “Thank you! I shall look forward to it,” she said, injecting enthusiasm. She would not tell him that she was already quite accomplished in that skill, nor would she show it during lessons.

  Perhaps a woman’s real power lay in placating and persuasion rather than argument and anger. In any event, he looked quite satisfied with her answer and gave her the sweetest grin. She so loved to make him happy. That is, when she wasn’t ready to give his head a resounding smack.

  Only the tiniest bit of guilt over that thought prompted her to add, “You said I could learn to dance, too.”

  He beamed, as she knew he would. “Hobson’s arranging for lessons. I’ll send someone to see whether he’s had any luck. You will love it, I promise. Meanwhile, I’ll teach you to ride. First thing tomorrow if the weather holds.”

  Laurel saw that he wanted to make her happy, too. The wish was there in his eyes. If he had been a bit condescending this evening, she must accept that Jack was quite sensitive when it came to managing the assets. She really ought to leave that alone. Or at least not mention it to him in future.